"In several short months, we have been able to meet the emergency of supplying complete personal equipment to the Expeditionary Forces and of organizing at the same time for further production in other directions in ce-operation with the British Purchasing Mission."
In conclusion, Mr. Rogers pointed out that Canadians are not a warlike people. "It is not our custom to support large peace time concentrations of men or military equipment. We are a people who regard war itself as hateful. We covet nothing which belongs to others, but only wish to go our own way in peace. Our geographical location, our position alongside a great and friendly neighbour with an outlook closely resembling our own has kept our thoughts in the way of peace. But when peace is threatened, when our free institutions themselves are challenged, Canada can gird for war. She did so 25 years ago, with the proud achievements of which we are all aware, She does so again today.
"We are pledged to the defence of freedom whatever the sacrifice may be. It has been said that patience is the essential virtue of this war. To patience I would add the quality of steadiness and the will to endure until the victory is won. Those of us who are entrusted with the responsibilities of Government at this time will do our utmost to ensure that the war effort of our country isa true expression of the steady faith and determination of the Canadian people."
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.